WordPress 6.0 introduced the ability for theme authors to add multiple style variations to themes. These style variations, designed by theme authors and packaged in block themes, help users have a diverse set of approaches to their site design allowing them to find one that aligns with their goals. This feature helps to highlight the flexibility of modern WordPress themes and it’s time to have it baked into the theme directory experience.
There are many themes in the Theme Directory that ship style variations but there is currently no way to preview them in the Theme Directory. Some community members have been iterating on a beta version and its now available on WordPress.org.
Screenshots
Previewing style variations inline
Previewing full site
Navigating style variations
What do theme authors need to do?
Nothing. If you have included style variations in /styles/{variation_name}.json and they work in the Site Editor, they will show up for users on page load.
What happens if I don’t see style variations when viewing a theme?
- The theme doesn’t have style variations.
- If they should be showing up but are not, create a trac ticket: https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/newticket.
Where can I add feedback or log a bug?
Create a trac ticket: https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/newticket.
What’s next?
- Collect feedback on this initial launch, and iterate.
- Add the ability to see whether a theme has style variations from the results list (Meta Ticket)
Thanks to everyone who helped so far! Any other questions, comments, conversations, or concerns can be added to this post or to a newly created meta trac ticket.
Thanks all!
Props: @poena, @Joen, @bph, @ryelle, @adamwood, @annezazu, @bengreeley, @priethor, did I miss anyone?